RNS Morning Report: At SBC annual meeting, anything could happen

Top Stories When Southern Baptists meet next week, anything could happen (RNS) — The nation’s largest Protestant denomination meets next week in the wake of a major report on abuse and continuing polarization.   Pope Francis cancels July visit to Africa, citing knee pain VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pontiff's knee pain has worsened in recent months, forcing him to use a wheelchair and cancel public events.   Tom Ascol, would-be SBC president, worries churches have lost hold of the Bible (RNS) — Ascol has long argued Southern Baptist churches are filled with people who believe they are Christians but really aren't — a belief shaped by growing up with an abusive father who was also a church deacon.   Robin Hadaway, SBC presidential candidate, favors balance in handling abuse claims (RNS) — At a forum of candidates for Southern Baptist Convention president, Hadaway spoke of the ‘fine line’ between addressing those who are abused and those being accused.   Bart Barber, SBC presidential candidate, on past, future action to address abuse (RNS) — Barber said his approach as a church leader regarding reports of abuse allegations is to tell his staff: ‘Call the police first and then let me know.’ RNS Opinion BDS goes full antisemite Stop worrying if there is a hyphen in antisemitic. This is it.   India’s dark turn from model of religious pluralism to cautionary tale (RNS) — We need to see ourselves in India’s religious minorities.   In Mormon Utah, LGBTQ Pride celebrations meet a desperate need (RNS) — Pride celebrations are taking off in Utah. They may be more needed there than just about anywhere else in the country.   Can Blacks and Jews re-boot their relationship? A quiet weekend in St. Augustine uncovers a holy place. For both Jews and Blacks. ICYMI How Christian nationalism paved the way for Jan. 6 WASHINGTON (RNS) — The president seemed to frame himself as leading an existential fight against liberal foes, defending America from an attack on the Christian faith.   Ex-members of La Luz del Mundo say Naasón Joaquín García deserves more than 16 years LOS ANGELES (RNS) — ‘He deserves the full weight of the law,’ said Hector Vera, a former deacon of the church. In Other News Tucker Carlson throws prime-time tantrum during Jan. 6 committee hearing Bruce Kent obituary Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. Religion News Service is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend